Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to enhance the powers of (a) police forces and (b) other relevant authorities under the Digital Markets Act to require the removal of dangerous items for sale on online platforms.

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act will allow all public enforcers of consumer law, including Trading Standards, to apply for online interface orders to take down digital content that breaks the law. These powers are planned to commence in April.

Government recently introduced the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, which will allow Government to update the product regulatory framework to better protect consumers from unsafe products, including those sold online. The Bill will allow Government to introduce regulations that provide powers for Relevant Authorities to take action against non-compliance with product safety requirements, including those introduced on online platforms.